To discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract during sexual intercourse

Female Reproduction System Anatomy and Functions.

The female reproductive system is designed to carry out several functions. It produces the female egg cells necessary for reproduction, called the ova or oocytes. The system is designed to transport the ova to the site of fertilization. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian tubes. The next step for the fertilized egg is to implant into the walls of the uterus, beginning the initial stages of pregnancy. If fertilization does not take place, the system is designed to menstruate.

Male Sperm

Sperm are male gametes, reproductive cells that contain half a set of chromosomes that can be joined with a female gamete to form a zygote. If allowed to develop, the zygote will turn into an embryo and eventually will mature into a baby. Male gametes are found in semen, a fluid produced by men for the purpose of reproduction.

Female Menstrual Cycles

The menstrual cycle is complex and is controlled by many different glands and the hormones that these glands produce.

The four main phases of the menstrual cycle are:

menstruation

the follicular phase

ovulation

the luteal phase.

How Conception is Achieved.

The process of conception starts in the female reproductive organs. An egg is released into the fallopian tubes once a month to await fertilization. If a sperm reaches the egg and penetrates it, it is fertilized. Conception takes place during ovulation. This happens 2 weeks after the last day of your last menstrual cycle. If eggs are not fertilized, they are released through menstruation and process repeats next month.

Why is implantation so important?

Implantation occurs once a fertilized egg has been implanted into the lining of the females uterine wall. Implantation defines the beginning of pregnancy.

How does an embryo develop inside the womb

The average pregnancy lasts for 38 weeks from the date you conceive. However, doctors usually date your pregnancy from the first day of your last menstrual period. Using this method a pregnancy is said to last 40 weeks.